Scott Kosar

Scott Kosar is an American screenwriter and film producer best known for his work in the psychological thriller and horror film genres. He gained prominence for writing the screenplays for high-profile remakes of classic horror films, including *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre* and *The Amityville Horror*. Kosar's career is characterized by his collaborations with prominent directors like Jonathan Mostow and James Wan, and his scripts often explore themes of trauma, family dysfunction, and psychological unraveling within stark, atmospheric settings.

Early life and education

Scott Kosar was born on October 17, 1969, in Miami, Florida. He developed an early interest in storytelling and film, which led him to pursue higher education in the field. Kosar earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin, a institution known for its strong Radio-Television-Film program. He subsequently attended the prestigious UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, where he honed his craft in screenwriting. His time at UCLA provided a critical foundation for his entry into the competitive landscape of Hollywood.

Career

Kosar's breakthrough came in 2003 when he wrote the screenplay for the remake of *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre*, directed by Marcus Nispel and produced by Michael Bay's Platinum Dunes. The film was a major commercial success and re-established the Leatherface character for a new generation. He followed this with the 2005 remake of *The Amityville Horror*, starring Ryan Reynolds and directed by Andrew Douglas. Kosar later collaborated with director Jonathan Mostow on the psychological thriller *The Machinist*, starring Christian Bale, which garnered significant critical acclaim for its intense character study. His other notable writing credits include the CBS television pilot for *The Texas Chainsaw Massacre* and the horror film *The Crazies*, a remake of the 1973 George A. Romero film. Kosar has also worked extensively with director James Wan, serving as a writer on *Death Sentence* and as a co-writer and executive producer on the Conjuring Universe film *The Curse of La Llorona*.

Filmography

* 2003: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (screenplay) * 2004: The Machinist (screenplay) * 2005: The Amityville Horror (screenplay) * 2007: Death Sentence (screenplay) * 2010: The Crazies (screenplay) * 2019: The Curse of La Llorona (screenplay, executive producer)

Awards and nominations

While Kosar's work has achieved significant commercial success, it has also received recognition from genre-specific award bodies. His screenplay for *The Machinist* was particularly noted for its psychological depth. The film won the Best Film award at the Catalonian International Film Festival and received several nominations at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. Kosar's contributions to the horror genre have cemented his reputation within the industry, though major awards from organizations like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences or the Hollywood Foreign Press Association have thus far eluded him.

Personal life

Scott Kosar maintains a relatively private personal life, with few details publicly available about his family or relationships. He is known to reside in Los Angeles, the center of the American film industry. In interviews, he has occasionally discussed the influences of classic horror and suspense filmmakers, such as Alfred Hitchcock and Tobe Hooper, on his own work. Kosar continues to be active in development and is regarded as a skilled writer who specializes in adapting and revitalizing genre properties for contemporary audiences.

Category:American screenwriters Category:American film producers Category:Horror film writers Category:People from Miami Category:UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television alumni Category:University of Texas at Austin alumni Category:1969 births Category:Living people